New Delhi: The Centre’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 9,207 crore and generated around 3.35 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, exceeding the target of 2.50 lakh jobs, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.
The sales of PLI-supported products increased from Rs 58,758 crore in FY 2019-20 to Rs 1,08,854 crore in FY 2025-26.
A total of 163 applications from 127 companies, including 69 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), are presently covered under the Scheme. The approved projects are spread across 212 locations in 22 states. Incentives amounting to Rs 3,271.44 crore have been disbursed up to June 2026. The Scheme has contributed to expansion of food processing capacity, growth in sales and exports, mobilisation of investment and generation of employment. The investments undertaken under the Scheme have resulted in creation of food processing capacity of 34 lakh metric tons per annum, according to the information tabled in the Lok Sabha.
The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries with an approved outlay of Rs 10,900 crore for the period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2026-27. The scheme provides performance-linked incentives on achievement of eligible incremental sales and aims to promote domestic processing and value addition, support creation of global food manufacturing champions, promote Indian food brands in overseas markets and generate employment opportunities.
Under the PLI scheme for food processing industries (PLISFPI), the government promotes exports and branding of Indian food products abroad through the Branding and Marketing component. Approved applicants are provided financial incentives at the rate of 50 per cent of eligible expenditure incurred on Branding and Marketing Abroad, subject to a maximum of 3 per cent of sales of food products or Rs 50 crore per year, whichever is less.
The PLISFPI also promotes domestic processing and value addition through performance-linked incentives on eligible incremental sales. The investments undertaken by approved applicants have facilitated expansion of processing capacity and adoption of modern processing, packaging and manufacturing technologies. A separate category has also been provided under the Scheme for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in innovative and organic food products.
Besides, the Ministry is also implementing the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, a demand-driven scheme aimed at providing financial, technical and business support for setting up or upgradation of micro food processing enterprises through capacity building, credit support, technology upgradation and market linkages, as per an official statement.
(IANS)
